Need to get into shape for the ski season?
According to dance instructor Amber Hayes, Zumba classes are a good way to do it.
Hayes says the ski aspect of Zumba has been introduced this year.
“Hopefully that will be of interest to folks as a new way to get ready for the ski season.,” Hayes says.
“Zumba classes are basically a cardio fitness class. We play different styles of latin music. and there’s cardio.”
This season, there will be more of a focus on aspects of the physique used in skiing.
“So more leg work and more core work, with the regular cardio, and getting those types of movements and the muscles used in those activities strengthened and flexed up for the ski season.
Hayes says that she can attest to it working, since she both dances and skis. Another program that she is involved with is the salsa dance.
“It is the Cuban salsa dance style, the lead instructor is a fellow from Castlegar, who’s been in the Kootenays for six years,” she says.
“He is originally from Cuba and he’s a fabulous instructor.” Hayes says they are currently working on building up the core of dancers in the area, so they can get more latin dance nights started.
Hayes adds that with the salsa dance classes, some people aren’t sure if it’s going to be something they’re going to like or not.
So, on Sept. 14 from 7-9 p.m. they will doing a two hour workshop, where new people will be able to try out a few of the steps, turns and get a feel for the music.
“Certainly you can come away from that with some of the basics. and then if you want to carry on and learn some more of the turns and a few more of the steps, there are six-week sessions that start the following week,” she says.
Zumba is drop in, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. For more info: a_hayes@telus.net or by phone at 250-362-7447.